Among all countries that are part of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Turkey, followed by Korea, had the highest rate of Caesarean section births (or C-sections) in 2022. At that time, the rate of C-sections in Turkey was roughly 600 per 1,000 live births. Among global regions, Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest percentage of births that were delivered by C-section, while sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest rates of Cesarean section births. Cesarean section costs A Cesarean section is a form of birth where the baby is taken out through a surgical incision in the abdomen rather than a natural vaginal birth. The cost of a Cesarean section delivery varies globally, with the United States having the highest cost globally for Cesarean section deliveries, while Germany the lowest cost among selected countries worldwide. In the United States, C-sections are significantly more expensive than a delivery by vaginal birth. High C-sections rates in the U.S. Over the past 20 years the C-section rate in the U.S. has gradually been increasing with more stable trends in the past few years. It has been reported that many of the C-sections performed in the U.S. are elective and not necessary. Often, the risks of C-sections are greater than the benefits, when performed as an elective procedure. Therefore, the United States has a "healthy people target" for the c-section rate of first time, low-risk mothers. However, less than half of hospitals are meeting the national targets for Cesarean sections performed.

Cesarean rates worldwide continue to increase and are projected to reach 28.5 percent by 2030 from 21.1 percent in 2018. In 2018, the highest rate of c-section was in the Latin America and the Caribbean region at nearly 43 percent. Yet the largest growth is projected for the region of Eastern Asia, where more than half of all childbirth occurs by c-section. As of 2021, this is already the case in four OECD countries.

This statistic depicts the percentage of births that were delivered via cesarean section worldwide in 2000 and 2015, by region. According to the data, Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest rate of cesarean sections in 2015 with 44.3 percent of births being delivered by c-section.

In 2022, the cost of a C-section delivery in a hospital in the United States was 13,601 U.S. dollars, the highest by far compared to other countries in the international report. To illustrate, a C-section in a hospital in Germany cost just 2,419 U.S. dollars. The cost of childbirth vaginally was also highest in the U.S. that year.

BackgroundCaesarean section (CS) rates continue to evoke worldwide concern because of their steady increase, lack of consensus on the appropriate CS rate and the associated additional short- and long-term risks and costs. We present the latest CS rates and trends over the last 24 years.MethodsWe collected nationally-representative data on CS rates between 1990 to 2014 and calculated regional and subregional weighted averages. We conducted a longitudinal analysis calculating differences in CS rates as absolute change and as the average annual rate of increase (AARI).ResultsAccording to the latest data from 150 countries, currently 18.6% of all births occur by CS, ranging from 6% to 27.2% in the least and most developed regions, respectively. Latin America and the Caribbean region has the highest CS rates (40.5%), followed by Northern America (32.3%), Oceania (31.1%), Europe (25%), Asia (19.2%) and Africa (7.3%). Based on the data from 121 countries, the trend analysis showed that between 1990 and 2014, the global average CS rate increased 12.4% (from 6.7% to 19.1%) with an average annual rate of increase of 4.4%. The largest absolute increases occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean (19.4%, from 22.8% to 42.2%), followed by Asia (15.1%, from 4.4% to 19.5%), Oceania (14.1%, from 18.5% to 32.6%), Europe (13.8%, from 11.2% to 25%), Northern America (10%, from 22.3% to 32.3%) and Africa (4.5%, from 2.9% to 7.4%). Asia and Northern America were the regions with the highest and lowest average annual rate of increase (6.4% and 1.6%, respectively).ConclusionThe use of CS worldwide has increased to unprecedented levels although the gap between higher- and lower-resource settings remains. The information presented is essential to inform policy and global and regional strategies aimed at optimizing the use of CS.

Cesarean Section Pack Market Outlook

The global Cesarean Section Pack market size was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 2.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. The increasing number of cesarean deliveries and the rising awareness regarding hygiene and infection control in surgical procedures are key growth factors driving this market. The rising demand for cesarean section packs is influenced by several factors including technological advancements and the growing emphasis on patient safety.

The increasing prevalence of cesarean deliveries is a significant driver of the market. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the rate of cesarean section births has increased globally, with some countries experiencing rates higher than 30% of all births. This upsurge is attributed to various factors, including the rise in maternal age, multiple births due to fertility treatments, and the increased prevalence of medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension in pregnant women. As these conditions often necessitate cesarean deliveries, the demand for cesarean section packs is anticipated to grow in tandem.

Technological advancements in the medical field are also a substantial growth factor for the Cesarean Section Pack market. Innovations in medical materials and sterilization techniques have led to the development of more efficient and safer cesarean section packs. For instance, disposable cesarean section packs have become more prevalent due to their convenience and reduced risk of infection. Additionally, ongoing research and development in the healthcare sector are continuously improving the quality and functionality of these packs, making them an indispensable part of modern surgical procedures.

Another crucial factor contributing to market growth is the rising awareness and implementation of stringent infection control measures in healthcare facilities. Hospitals and surgical centers are increasingly adopting sterile disposable products to minimize the risk of post-operative infections. The heightened awareness of the potential complications associated with surgical site infections has propelled the demand for high-quality cesarean section packs. This trend is further supported by regulatory guidelines and policies advocating for the use of sterile and disposable surgical instruments.

In recent years, the concept of Practitioner-Specified Procedure Packs has gained traction in the healthcare industry. These packs are tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of medical practitioners, allowing for a more customized approach to surgical procedures. By incorporating practitioner input, these procedure packs can enhance surgical efficiency and patient outcomes. The flexibility offered by Practitioner-Specified Procedure Packs enables healthcare providers to select the most appropriate components for each procedure, ensuring that all necessary tools and materials are readily available. This customization not only improves workflow but also reduces the risk of errors and enhances the overall quality of care. As the demand for personalized medical solutions continues to grow, the adoption of Practitioner-Specified Procedure Packs is expected to rise, offering significant benefits to both healthcare providers and patients.

Regionally, the Cesarean Section Pack market is expected to exhibit significant growth across various regions, with Asia Pacific and North America leading the charge. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness robust growth due to the large population base, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising awareness about maternal health. North America, on the other hand, is driven by the high rate of cesarean deliveries and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Europe is also expected to show considerable growth, supported by the strong presence of key market players and well-established healthcare systems. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America regions are likely to experience moderate growth due to improving healthcare facilities and increasing awareness.

Product Type Analysis

The Cesarean Section Pack market is segmented by product type into Disposable Cesarean Section Pack and Reusable Cesarean Section Pack. Disposable cesarean section packs are increasingly preferred due to their single-use nature, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination and infection. These packs are design

Change in caesarean section rates in 121 countries categorised according to the United Nations geographical grouping from 1990 to 2014a.

Cesarean sections (CS) rates using the Robson´s classification in Peru, 2000–2010.

Among all U.S. states, Nebraska had the highest hospital-based Cesarean section delivery rate as of 2017, with ** percent of births being delivered via Cesarean section. Cesarean section rates were calculated for first-time, low-risk mothers. Nebraska’s Cesarean section rate is significantly higher than the U.S. target. According to recent data, over half of U.S. hospitals have C-section delivery rates higher than the national U.S. targets.

Risks of Cesarean section

A Cesarean section (or C-section) is a surgical procedure for delivering babies in which a baby is delivered by being removed through the abdomen as opposed to being delivered vaginally. Most deaths due to childbirth in the U.S. are preventable. However, women that deliver via C-section are more prone to specific health risks including, infection, excessive bleeding, and damage to the bladder, kidneys and other internal organs. While cost may not directly affect health, the risk of financial troubles based on medical expenditures is also an issue with C-section deliveries. The U.S. has some of the highest costs globally for C-section deliveries.

High U.S. Cesarean section rates

Among all OECD countries the United States raked among the top five for highest rates of cesarean section deliveries. The number of C-sections performed in the U.S. has dramatically increased since 1997. Among mothers in the U.S., older women have higher rates of C-section delivery.

Trends in selected fetal and newborn outcomes by Robson group.

Caesarean section rates in 150 countries categorised according to United Nations geographical grouping in 2014a.

Adjusted OR for stillbirths, low birth weight (LBW) and maternal mortality (MM) by Robson Group.

The global Cesarean Section Pack market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising cesarean birth rates worldwide, increasing demand for sterile and infection-control procedures in healthcare settings, and a growing preference for convenient, pre-packaged kits among healthcare professionals. The market's expansion is further fueled by advancements in medical technology, leading to the development of more efficient and effective packs tailored to specific surgical needs. While challenges exist, such as price sensitivity in emerging markets and stringent regulatory requirements, the overall market outlook remains positive. We estimate the market size in 2025 to be approximately $1.5 billion USD, based on observed growth in similar medical supply markets and considering the penetration of cesarean sections globally. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% is projected for the forecast period (2025-2033), reflecting sustained demand and innovation in the sector. Key market segments include disposable and reusable packs, categorized by components such as drapes, gowns, gloves, instruments, and antiseptic solutions. Competitive intensity is moderate to high, with established players like 3M, Medline Industries, and Mölnlycke Health Care vying for market share alongside smaller, specialized companies. Geographic regions like North America and Europe currently dominate the market due to higher healthcare spending and advanced healthcare infrastructure, but significant growth opportunities exist in developing economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America as healthcare infrastructure improves and cesarean birth rates rise. The market is expected to see increased consolidation, with larger companies potentially acquiring smaller players to expand their product portfolios and geographical reach. Furthermore, technological advancements focusing on improved sterility, reduced costs, and enhanced surgical efficiency are likely to shape the market's future trajectory.

The global disposable cesarean section pack market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising cesarean birth rates worldwide, increasing demand for infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings, and a growing preference for convenient, sterile, and pre-packaged surgical kits. The market is estimated to be valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2025, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 7% between 2025 and 2033. This growth is fueled by several key trends, including the increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases associated with higher cesarean delivery rates, and the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies. Major players like Unigloves, Medline Industries, and 3M are strategically investing in research and development, product innovation, and geographic expansion to capitalize on this expanding market. However, market growth faces certain restraints. Fluctuations in raw material prices, stringent regulatory approvals for medical devices, and potential pricing pressure from generic competitors could impact profitability and expansion plans. Market segmentation reveals a strong demand for advanced packs incorporating innovative features such as antimicrobial properties and improved ease of use. Geographical analysis indicates that North America and Europe currently hold significant market shares, but Asia-Pacific is poised for substantial growth due to increasing healthcare expenditure and rising birth rates in developing nations. The forecast period, 2025-2033, is expected to witness significant advancements in pack design and functionality, leading to improved surgical outcomes and enhanced patient safety.

The total average hospital bill for U.S. births varies depending on the kind of birth. In 2013, the average cost of an uncomplicated vaginal birth was around 32 thousand U.S. dollars. For a standard Cesarean section birth the cost was near 51 thousand U.S. dollars at that time. Cesarean sections are performed via the surgical removal of an infant from the mother.

Birth costs

The United States has one of the highest birthing costs in the world. The average hospital and physician costs for a normal vaginal delivery in the United States may cost twice as much as a normal vaginal birth in Australia. Cesarean sections costs are more expensive than vaginal births, but the cost difference is similar. The United States, followed by Switzerland, had the highest costs among select countries for C-section deliveries.

Birth rates and mother's age

The birth rate in the United States has decreased dramatically in recent history. Some evidence suggests that birth rates may be impacted by family income. According to recent data, lower incomes have higher birth rates in the United States. Birth rates were highest among women aged 20 to 34 years. However, there is an increasing tendency of mothers being older at the time of their first birth.

BackgroundObesity is an important public health problem and rates have reached epidemic proportions in many countries. Studies have explored the association between infants delivered by caesarean section and their later life risk of obesity, in many countries outside Africa. As a result of the increasing caesarean section and obesity rates in South Africa, we investigated the association in this country.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of data that were collected from a prospective South African birth cohort (Birth to Twenty Plus), established in 1990. A total of 889 young adults aged 21–24 years were included in the analysis. Poisson regression models were fitted to assess the association between mode of delivery and early adulthood obesity.ResultsOf the 889 young adults, 106 (11.9%) were obese while 72 (8.1%) were delivered by caesarean section; of which 14 (19.4%) were obese. Caesarean section delivery was significantly associated with obesity in young adults after adjusting for potential confounders like young adults’ sex and birth weight, mothers’ parity, and education (incidence rate ratio 1.64, 95% CI 1.01–2.68, p = 0.045).ConclusionThe association of caesarean section with early adulthood obesity should be interpreted with caution because data on certain key confounding factors such as mothers’ pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational diabetes were not available. Further research from Africa, with larger sample sizes and databases with useful linking of maternal and infant data, should be conducted.

This statistic displays the share of childbirths that were delivered by caesarean section in Europe in 2015, by country. In this year, almost ** percent of births in Cyprus were delivered by caesarean section, the highest rate in Europe.

Characteristics of obstetric population (including all births, singleton and multiple, from 28+0 to 44+6 gestational weeks), 2000–2010, years stratified.

Abstract Objective Themoment of admission for deliverymay be inappropriate for offering an intrauterine device (IUD) to women without prenatal contraception counseling. However, in countries with high cesarean rates and deficient prenatal contraception counseling, this strategy may reduce unexpected pregnancies and repeated cesarean sections. Methods This was a prospective cohort study involving 100 women without prenatal contraception counseling. Postplacental IUD was offered after admission for delivery and placed during cesarean. The rates of IUD continuation, uterine perforation, and endometritis were assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months, and the proportion of women continuing with IUD at 6 months was assessed with respect to the number of previous cesareans. Results Ninety-seven women completed the follow-up. The rate of IUD continuation was 91% at 6 weeks and 83.5% at 6 months. The expulsion/removal rate in the first 6 weeks was not different from that between 6 weeks and 6 months (9 vs 9.1%, respectively). There were 2 cases of endometritis (2.1%), and no case of uterine perforation. Among 81 women continuing with intrauterine device after 6-months, 31% had undergone only the cesarean section in which the IUD was inserted, 44% had undergone 2 and 25% had undergone 3 or more cesarean sections. Conclusion Two thirds of the women who continued with IUD at 6 months had undergone 2 ormore cesarean sections. Since offering trial of labor is unusual after 2 or more previous cesareans, we believe that offering IUD after admission for delivery may reduce the risk of repeated cesarean sections and its inherent risks.

BackgroundCaesarean sections (CS) rates continue to increase worldwide without a clear understanding of the main drivers and consequences. The lack of a standardized internationally-accepted classification system to monitor and compare CS rates is one of the barriers to a better understanding of this trend. The Robson's 10-group classification is based on simple obstetrical parameters (parity, previous CS, gestational age, onset of labour, fetal presentation and number of fetuses) and does not involve the indication for CS. This classification has become very popular over the last years in many countries. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the experience of users on the implementation of this classification and proposed adaptations.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched. A three-step thematic synthesis approach and a qualitative metasummary method were used.Results232 unique reports were identified, 97 were selected for full-text evaluation and 73 were included. These publications reported on the use of Robson's classification in over 33 million women from 31 countries. According to users, the main strengths of the classification are its simplicity, robustness, reliability and flexibility. However, missing data, misclassification of women and lack of definition or consensus on core variables of the classification are challenges. To improve the classification for local use and to decrease heterogeneity within groups, several subdivisions in each of the 10 groups have been proposed. Group 5 (women with previous CS) received the largest number of suggestions.ConclusionsThe use of the Robson classification is increasing rapidly and spontaneously worldwide. Despite some limitations, this classification is easy to implement and interpret. Several suggested modifications could be useful to help facilities and countries as they work towards its implementation.